decompound

[ verb dee-kuhm-pound; adjective dee-kom-pound, dee-kom-pound, -kuhm- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to decompose.
2. Obsolete. to compound a second or further time.

adjective

1. Botany. divided into compound divisions.
2. composed of compounds compound the parts of which are also compounds, compound, as a bipinnate leaf.

decompound

/ ˌdiːkəmˈpaʊnd /

adjective

1. (of a compound leaf) having leaflets consisting of several distinct parts
2. made up of one or more compounds

verb

1. a less common word for decompose
2. obsolete.
   to mix with or form from one or more compounds

Other Words From

• unde·com·pounded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decompound¹

First recorded in 1605–15; de- + compound ¹

Example Sentences

June–Aug. S. Sóphia, L. A similar hoary species, with decompound leaves; pods slender, 6–15´´ long, ascending; seeds 1-ranked.—Sparingly naturalized from Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Having a forked petiole, and a pair of leaflets at the end of each division; biconjugate; twice paired; Ð said of a decompound leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

But if the division goes still further, or if the degree is variable, we simply say that the leaf is decompound; either palmately or pinnately decompound, as the case may be.

From Project Gutenberg

We have this advantage in the analysis of atmospherical air, being able both to decompound it, and to form it a new in the most satisfactory manner.

From Project Gutenberg

An introduced biennial, with spotted stems, and large decompound leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• examine
• explore
• inspect
• investigate
• scrutinize